Inouye hospitalized, for most part 'OK'

12/10/12 4:51 PM EST

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye remained hospitalized Monday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where the 88-year-old Hawaii Democrat is being held for observation related to his oxygen intake.

“For the most part, I am OK,” Inouye said in a statement provided by his office. “However, I am currently working with my doctors to regulate my oxygen intake. Much to my frustration, while undergoing this process, I have to remain in the hospital for my own safety and to allow the necessary observation.”

“I will be back on the Hill as soon as my doctors allow it. Thank you all for the kind words and continued support.”

Inouye underwent lung surgery in the '60s when he was misdiagnosed with cancer, according to his aides, and the current situation appears to be related to that loss of lung capacity. He was using a portable oxygen supply, coming and going from votes in the Capitol last week and then later entered George Washington University Hospital. His office confirmed that he has since been moved to Walter Reed.

A virtual institution in Hawaii, Inouye has represented his state in Congress non-stop since it first achieved statehood in 1959. He came to the Senate 50 years ago in 1963 and holds the post of President pro tempore as well as his Appropriations chairmanship.

He is one of the last of a generation of senators like his friend, retired Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kans.) who served in combat in World War II. Both were seriously wounded and met famously at what was then the Percy Jones Army Hospital in Michigan. A third future senator, the late Sen. Phillip Hart (D-Mich.) was also a patient and became their friend.